A sense of connectedness with other people can be protective regarding the level of risk of developing a substance abuse problem or the likelihood of recovering from such problems. Research has broadened our understanding of the complex nature of addiction over the last few decades.
On the frontier of this trend toward building and maintaining connectedness is the Center for Motivation and Change (CMC). They are using an approach called CRAFT, for Community Reinforcement and Family Training, which seeks to maintain and enhance the relationships between the addict and their family members, while equipping the family members with strategies to establish healthy boundaries.
Parents and loved ones of those suffering from substance abuse disorders have an alternative to the conventional wisdom of having to “let them hit rock bottom” or the “tough love” approach. Although family members cannot control whether or not their loved one chooses to use, families have very important influence in the process of moving the drug dependent person along the continuum toward change. In multiple studies, across a range of substances and settings, CRAFT engaged on average 7 out of 10 reluctant loved ones into treatment, a rate 2 to 3 times higher than traditional interventions and Anon approaches. Studies have also shown that those who are not yet in treatment, and whose families use CRAFT, tend to use less than they would otherwise.
The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids is collaborating with CMC to offer a parent support network. Parents, many who have “been there” and experienced substance abuse problems with their kids, are trained in the CRAFT approach by clinicians at CMC. These trained volunteers form a
network of support to those who call the Partnership’s parent helpline. Callers can be assigned to a volunteer peer coach who walks them through the principles of CRAFT over a series of weekly phone meetings.
There has been recent coverage in the media regarding new ways of understanding the problem of addiction and the importance of connection. These ideas are being juxtaposed to Partnership messaging from decades ago. The reality is that the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids and its Arizona affiliate, DrugFreeAZKids.org, do embrace this approach.
Offerings such as the Partnership’s parent support network and the Active Parenting workshops offered by DrugFreeAZKids.org promote connectedness as positive influence. Parents, educate yourselves on how you can harness the important protective influence you already have, and can develop further to prevent and respond to substance abuse problems among our kids.
